Here you can explore all your benefit options as an Eastern Illinois University employee. Our employees are provided with a vast array of benefits including: group health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, supplemental retirement plans, and tuition waivers.

We encourage our employees to be in control of their benefits. Employees can sign up and access their benefits atMyBenefits.

As the Benefits Staff, we are committed to providing excellent service to our employees. If you have any questions, please contact us via email at benefits@eiu.edu or call 217-581-5825.

Announcements

OPEN ENROLLMENT

It’s that time of year again…Benefits Choice Open Enrollment Period. If you wish to keep your current coverage, no action is necessary unless you intend to enroll or re-enroll in Flexible Spending accounts. There are lots of changes this plan year so check out the Benefits Choice Booklet for details! Benefit elections should be completed through MyBenefits.illinois.gov or by phoning MyBenefits at 1-844-251-1777.

Dependent Eligibility Verification Audit

Deferral Limits will Increase for 2020

The IRS announced that pension limitations governing the 457 plans will increase for 2020 as the increase in the Consumer Price Index was sufficient to meet the statutory thresholds for its adjustment. Therefore, the elective deferral (contribution) limit for employees who participate in deferred compensation will increase to $19,500 which increases the Special Catch-up limit to $39,000. The age 50 catch-up contribution limit will also see an increase from $6,000 to $6,500 making the total contribution limit for those aged 50 and older $26,000 for the 2020 tax year.

Holiday Schedule

A gift day has been approved for December 26, 2019.

Information Regarding 2019 Holiday Schedule

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GIFT DAYS

What is a gift day?

A gift day is a designated paid day that the University may provide to leave benefit eligible employees during the holiday break in December without having to use their own benefit time. A gift day is paid at straight time and does not accrue towards overtime eligibility.

What if it is determined that I am an “essential” employee who must work during the gift day?

Essential employees who are required to work on the gift day may use the gift day on another day within the timeframe identified by the administration and, with supervisor approval. For FY 20, the alternative time-off must be taken by March 31, 2020.

I have requested a sick day for a doctor appointment on a designated gift day. Will I be required to use the gift day?

Yes, unless you are an essential employee, you must use the gift day on that day.

I am scheduled to work on a designated gift day and want to use the gift day on another day. What do I need to do?

You must follow standard protocol with your department for requesting time off and obtain approval from your supervisor.

I am on Family Medical Leave from 12/26 – 1/15 Do I need to use my gift day?

Yes, you are required to use your gift day. The day will be a paid gift day but will still count towards your FMLA leave entitlement.

In general, part time employees not accruing benefit time are not eligible to receive the gift day. Please contact Human Resources at benefits@eiu.edu or call 217-581-5825 to discuss your specific situation.

If I call in sick, can I use the gift day?

If the sick day occurs on a designated gift day, the time will be paid as a gift day. If you work on a gift day, and choose to use the gifted day later, you must follow standard protocol for requesting time off, including supervisor approval.

If I am on probation, am I eligible for the gift day?

Yes.

Does the Gift Day expire for essential personnel who work on a designated gift day?

Yes, the gift day used at some other time, must be used no later than a date identified by the administration. For FY20, the last eligible day is March 31, 2020.

I was hired prior to December 31 of the current year to begin work on January 2, 2020. Will I be eligible to receive pay for the gifted day?

No, you must be in pay status and benefit eligible prior to December 26, 2019 to be eligible for the gift day.